Strapping device using multiple strap materials

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, a strapping device for strapping a bale ejected from a baler is provided. The strapping device includes a first strapper unit that couples to the baler adjacent an outlet of the baler, the first strapper unit having a first track for distributing a first strap media about the bale, and a second strapper unit that couples to the baler adjacent the outlet of the baler, the second strapper unit having a second track for distributing a second strap media about the bale, the second track positioned coaxially about the first track.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/949,701, filed Mar. 7, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to methods and apparatus for a strapping device usable with a variety of strapping materials.

2. Description of the Related Art

Various wire tying and strapping machines have been proposed in the past for applying either a single strapping material, either tensioned wire ties, or plastic straps, to bales, packages or other articles. However, these conventional wire tying and strapping machines are difficult to use and service, and require a time-consuming process when a change in the strap material is desired. For conventional strapping machines that are used with baling presses utilized in the baling and packaging of trash, recyclables or refuse-derived fuel (RDF), the strapping machine must be decoupled from the press, repositioned with respect to the press, and re-coupled to the press when a different strap material is desired. This process is time-consuming and requires a lift or a suspension structure to support the mass of the strapping machine when it is decoupled from the press.

What is needed is an improved strapping device that counters the problems of conventional strapping machines.

SUMMARY

Embodiments described herein provide apparatus and methods for a strapping device utilizing two or more strap materials combined into one unit.

In one embodiment, a strapping device for strapping a bale ejected from a baler is provided. The strapping device includes a first strapper unit that couples to the baler adjacent an outlet of the baler, the first strapper unit having a first track for distributing a first strap media about the bale, and a second strapper unit that couples to the baler adjacent the outlet of the baler, the second strapper unit having a second track for distributing a second strap media about the bale, the second track positioned coaxially about the first track.

In another embodiment, a strapping device for coupling to an outlet of a baler is provided. The strapping device includes a first strapper unit that couples to the baler adjacent the outlet of the baler, the first strapper unit having a first track for distributing a first strap media, and a second strapper unit that couples to the baler adjacent the outlet of the baler, the second strapper unit having a second track for distributing a second strap media, the second strap media being different than the first strap media.

In another embodiment, a method for strapping bales ejected from a baler is provided. The method includes ejecting a first bale to pass through an outlet of the baler, transferring the first bale through an opening surrounded by a first strapper unit and a second strapper unit, strapping the first bale with a first strap media distributed by the first strapper unit, switching from the first strap media to a second strap media that is different from the first strap media, ejecting a second bale to pass through the outlet of the baler, and strapping the second bale with the second strap media distributed by the second strapper unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments disclosed herein will become apparent from the following description with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a double ram refuse baler having one embodiment of a strapping device as disclosed herein.

FIG. 2A is a front view of the strapping device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the strapping device along lines 2B-2B of FIG. 2A.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without further recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments disclosed herein provide apparatus and methods for a strapping device utilizing multiple strap materials combined into one strapping unit. The strapping unit may be coupled to a baler or packaging machine and is switchable to bind a bale or package ejected by the machine with different strap materials. The switching between strap media may be done quickly and effectively without any downtime or disassembly of the unit or the machine.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a double ram refuse baler 110 utilized to receive and compress refuse (e.g., trash, recyclables) into large, compact bales, and to eject the bales with one or more tensioned strapping media around the bale. The baler 110 includes a compression ram chamber 120, an ejection ram chamber 130, an inlet hopper 140, a bale outlet 150, and a strapping device 155 disposed about the bale outlet 150. The baler 110 may be powered by a multiple stage hydraulic power unit 160. In operation, refuse is loaded into hopper 140 and is compressed using a ram (not shown) within ram chamber 120 to create an appropriately sized bale to be strapped. The bale is then moved into the ejection ram chamber 130. Another ram (also not shown) within ejection ram chamber 130 serves to eject the compressed bale through the bale outlet 150. A bale table (not shown) is positioned adjacent the bale outlet 150 to support the bale during ejection and strapping. During the course of ejection, or after such ejection, the strapping device 155 is operated to place one or more tensioned strapping media around the bale. The strapped bale can then be disposed of in conventional fashion, or stored for later use in a refuse-derived fuel (RDF) process. Balers of the type shown in FIG. 1 are available from a number of sources, such as Marathon Equipment Co., of Vernon, Ala.

The strapping device 155 includes a first strapper unit 170A and a second strapper unit 170B coupled to the ejection ram chamber 130 adjacent the bale outlet 150. In one embodiment, the first strapper unit 170A and the second strapper unit 170B are coupled to a common side of a frame that is coupled to the baler 110. The first strapper unit 170A and the second strapper unit 170B are configured to distribute, tension and fasten at least two different strap media about a bale ejected out of the bale outlet 150. The first strapper unit 170A may be configured to distribute, tension and tie a first strap media, such as wire strap media 175A, and the second strapper unit 170B may be configured to distribute, tension and fasten a second strap media, such as a plastic strap media 175B. A controller 180 may be utilized to control operation of each of the first strapper unit 170A and the second strapper unit 170B, and may facilitate switching between strapping with the wire strap media 175A or the plastic strap media 175B. The controller 180 may contain a simple switch or include a button or touch-screen display that facilitates simple switchover from the wire strap media 175A to the plastic strap media 175B, or vice versa.

The strapping device 155 includes a first track 185A for the wire strap media 175A and a second track 185B for the plastic strap media 175B. In one embodiment, both of the first track 185A and the second track 185B are coupled to the ejection ram chamber 130 adjacent the bale outlet 150. Both of the first track 185A and the second track 185B may be disposed concentrically and/or coaxially about an opening 190 of the bale outlet 150 (e.g., each of the first track 185A and the second track 185B share a common center, such as the center of the bale outlet 150 along the X direction). The first track 185A is in communication with the first strapper unit 170A and the second track 185B is in communication with the second strapper unit 170B. The first track 185A and the second track 185B may be spring-loaded, separable guide tracks that provide a guide for the respective strap media and facilitate tensioning as well as fastening of the strap media after tensioning. A suitable first strapper unit 170A may be the Accent 470 Wire Tier system and a suitable second strapper unit 170B may be the HDX™ Poly Strapping System, both available from Accent Wire of Tomball, Tex.

In some embodiments, the strapping device 155 includes a support structure 165 having an opening formed therein that is disposed about the opening of the bale outlet 150 of the baler 110. The support structure 165 may be coupled to the baler 110 by fasteners (not shown) such as screws or bolts. The support structure 165 is configured to fix the two independent strapper units 170A, 170B, as well as both of the first track 185A and the second track 185B, in a concentric orientation, facing the same direction. Positioning the strapper units 170A, 170B, as well as both of the first track 185A and the second track 185B on an outer side of the ejection ram chamber 130 allows ease of service and maintenance of wear parts of both strapper units 170A, 170B, as well as both of the first track 185A and the second track 185B.

FIG. 2A is a schematic front view of the strapping device 155 and FIG. 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the strapping device 155 along lines 2B-2B of FIG. 2A. An opening 200 is defined within the support structure 165 which will be positioned about and/or concentrically with the opening of the bale outlet 150 of the baler 110 of FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the support structure 165 is an end of the ejection ram chamber 130 adjacent to the bale outlet 150 (both shown in FIG. 1). In other embodiments, the support structure 165 may not be used, and the strapper units 170A, 170B, as well as both of the first track 185A and the second track 185B, may be directly coupled to the ejection ram chamber 130 adjacent the bale outlet 150 (both shown in FIG. 1).

In one embodiment, the first strapper unit 170A is positioned on a first surface of the support structure 165 and the second strapper unit 170B is positioned on a second surface of the support structure 165. A first side 205 of the support structure 165 may be open to facilitate ease of servicing of the strapping device 155. A second side 210 of the support structure 165 is coupled to the baler 110 of FIG. 1. Therefore, both of the first strapper unit 170A and the second strapper unit 170B, as well as both of the first track 185A and the second track 185B, are coupled to a common side (first side 205) of the support structure 165. Positioning of the strapping device 155 on the outbound side (first side 205) of the support structure 165 facilitates ease of servicing and monitoring of the baling and binding processes.

A plurality of movable paddles 215 may be coupled to the support structure 165 within the opening 200. The paddles 215 are configured to move inwardly toward the center of the opening 200 (i.e., away from an interior surface 220 of the opening 200) to facilitate compression of the bale (not shown) as the bale is being strapped. The paddles 215 are then configured to move outwardly toward the interior surface 220 of the opening 200 after strapping of the bale is complete. The paddles 215 are used to prevent the baled recyclables from expanding during strapping.

FIG. 2B shows the positioning and/or the spatial relationship between the first track 185A and the second track 185B as well as portion of a bale 225 (shown in dashed lines) that is supported on a bale table 230. In one embodiment, the first track 185A is positioned near the first side 205 of the support structure 165 (outbound side) while the second track 185B is positioned inward of the first track 185A (closer to the second side 210). However, both of the first track 185A and the second track 185B are disposed on the first side 205 of the support structure 165. In another embodiment, the first track 185A has a travel length for the strap media that is greater than a travel length of the second track 185B. In another embodiment, the first track 185A substantially circumscribes (i.e., surrounds) the second track 185B.

The advantages of the strapping device 155 over conventional wire tying and strapping machines include the ability of the strapping device 155 to be fully set to run wire straps and/or plastic straps at any time. The switch over from one strapping media to another requires only switching between the first strapper unit 170A and the second strapper unit 170B. Further, the strapping device 155 does not need to be decoupled from the baler when a different strapping media is desired.

In some conventional wire tying and strapping machines the changeover from plastic to wire strapping, or vice-versa, is time consuming. For example, the wire or plastic media can only be loaded into the strapper that is “active”. To affect changeover, the operator must disconnect and safely stow the current strap material before loading the next strap material. Further, electric and hydraulic power is only attached to the active strapper. To affect changeover, the operator must disconnect and safely stow the hoses and/or wires going to one strapper before connecting to the other strapper. Additionally, the bale table (located on the output end of the ejection ram chamber 130) must be relocated on the floor. A powered lift device, such as a powered jib crane or powered cantilevered support structure, must be attached to the conventional wire tying and strapping machine to support the conventional wire tying and strapping machine during disassembly/removal of the conventional wire tying and strapping machine from the baler. The conventional wire tying and strapping machine must be decoupled from the baler and suspended by the lift device, moved away from the baler in a suspended state on the lift device using the powered components of the lift device to a position away from the baler, rotated 180 degrees, moved back toward the baler suspended on the lift device (using the powered components of the lift device), and reattached to the baler. The use of the strapping device 155 as described herein eliminates the decoupling/re-coupling processes associated with the conventional wire tying and strapping machines, and thus saves time and increases safety.

Further, some conventional wire tying and strapping machines are hinged to the baler. These conventional wire tying and strapping machines may have a wire tying machine operably coupled to the baler while a strap-type machine is hinged to the baler, or vice versa. However, the hinged portion remains coupled to the machine in a position that may obstruct areas around the baler. This creates a safety hazard and may increase the possibility of damage to the hinged portion of the machine due to fork lift traffic, for example.

Additionally, the strapping device 155 according to embodiments described herein is usable on many types of balers. Some of the conventional wire tying and strapping machines are highly customized for use in one specific plant and on one specific baler. For example, some of the conventional wire tying and strapping machines may not be suitable to work on all two ram balers as the shape of two ram balers vary widely. However, the strapping device 155 may be readily fit to any size/type of baler. Further, plant/equipment layouts may not readily permit the use of a movable bale table due to inadequate floor space and/or close proximity of equipment. Thus, the use of the strapping device 155 as described herein provides a smaller footprint for the baling operation.

Finally, some of the conventional wire tying and strapping machines are greatly more expensive to manufacture, transport, setup and maintain. For example, the powered lift device, independent track supports; specialized movable bale table with track guiding, disconnection of electrical and hydraulic lines each come with added cost.

Thus, the strapping device 155 as disclosed herein may be used in multiple facilities on many different baler types. The strapping device 155 is compact, requires no powered lift device (e.g., jib or cantilevered support structure) to operate, and is less costly to operate and maintain. Since the strapping device 155 remains coupled to the baler, no portions of the baler, such as a bale table, must be moved. A simple flip of a switch effects a change from one strap media to another.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow. 

1. A strapping device for strapping a bale ejected from a baler, the strapper device comprising: a first strapper unit that couples to the baler adjacent an outlet of the baler, the first strapper unit having a first track for distributing a first strap media about the bale; and a second strapper unit that couples to the baler adjacent the outlet of the baler, the second strapper unit having a second track for distributing a second strap media about the bale, the second track positioned coaxially about the first track.
 2. The strapping device of claim 1, wherein the first strap media is different from the second strap media.
 3. The strapping device of claim 1, wherein the first strapper unit is operable with or without operation of the second strapper unit.
 4. The strapping device of claim 1, wherein first track is spaced apart laterally from the second track.
 5. The strapping device of claim 1, wherein the first track and the second track are coupled to a common side of a support structure that couples to the baler adjacent the outlet of the baler.
 6. The strapping device of claim 5, wherein first track and the second track are spaced apart laterally on the support structure.
 7. A strapping device for coupling to an outlet of a baler, the strapping device comprising: a first strapper unit that couples to the baler adjacent the outlet of the baler, the first strapper unit having a first track for distributing a first strap media; and a second strapper unit that couples to the baler adjacent the outlet of the baler, the second strapper unit having a second track for distributing a second strap media, the second strap media being different than the first strap media.
 8. The strapping device of claim 7, wherein the second track is positioned coaxially about the first track.
 9. The strapping device of claim 7, wherein first track is spaced apart laterally from the second track.
 10. The strapping device of claim 7, wherein the first strapper unit and the second strapper unit are configured to couple to a common side of the baler adjacent to the outlet.
 11. The strapping device of claim 7, wherein the first track surrounds the second track.
 12. The strapping device of claim 7, wherein the first track and the second track are coupled to a support structure that couples to the baler adjacent to the outlet.
 13. The strapping device of claim 12, wherein first track and the second track are spaced apart laterally on the support structure.
 14. The strapping device of claim 7, further comprising a controller having a touch screen display that controls the first strapper unit and the second strapper unit.
 15. A method for strapping bales ejected from a baler, the method comprising: ejecting a first bale to pass through an outlet of the baler; transferring the first bale through an opening surrounded by a first strapper unit and a second strapper unit; strapping the first bale with a first strap media distributed by the first strapper unit; switching from the first strap media to a second strap media that is different from the first strap media; ejecting a second bale to pass through the outlet of the baler; and strapping the second bale with the second strap media distributed by the second strapper unit.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first strapper unit and the second strapper unit are coaxially positioned about the opening.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the first strapper unit includes a first track for distributing the first strap media and the second strapper unit includes a second track for distributing the second strap media.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first track is positioned coaxially about the second track.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the switching from the first strap media to the second strap media is facilitated by a controller.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the switching from the first strap media to the second strap media is facilitated by a touch screen display. 